dandruff

noun

dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf How to pronounce dandruff (audio)
: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp
also : the condition marked by excessive shedding of such flakes and usually accompanied by itching
dandruffy
ˈdan-drə-fē How to pronounce dandruff (audio)
adjective

Examples of dandruff in a Sentence

The shampoo is supposed to help control dandruff.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many are formulated to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). — Sara Coughlin, Allure, 9 July 2026 Dandruff For those with dandruff, excess oil buildup on the scalp causes skin cells to shed. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 Though more popular for your skin, when applied to your scalp and strands, the ingredient sloughs off buildup, soothes irritation, reduces dandruff, and controls oil production. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 5 July 2026 Several cultures use the plant therapeutically to treat a variety of maladies, including dandruff, hair loss, stomachaches, and fever. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dandruff

Word History

Etymology

probably from dand- (origin unknown) + -ruff, from Middle English rove scabby condition, from Old Norse hrūfa scab; akin to Old High German hruf scurf, Lithuanian kraupus rough

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dandruff was in 1545

Phrases Containing dandruff

Browse Nearby Words

D and P
dandruff
dands
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dandruff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dandruff. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dandruff

noun
dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf How to pronounce dandruff (audio)
: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp
also : the condition marked by the excessive shedding of such flakes

Medical Definition

dandruff

noun
dan·​druff ˈdan-drəf How to pronounce dandruff (audio)
: scaly white or grayish flakes of dead skin cells especially of the scalp
also : the condition marked by excessive shedding of such flakes and usually accompanied by itching
dandruffy
-ē How to pronounce dandruff (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on dandruff

Nglish: Translation of dandruff for Spanish Speakers

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